spontaneity

noun

spon·​ta·​ne·​i·​ty ˌspän-tə-ˈnē-ə-tē How to pronounce spontaneity (audio) -ˈnā- How to pronounce spontaneity (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being spontaneous
2
: voluntary or undetermined action or movement
also : its source

Examples of spontaneity in a Sentence

the spontaneity of their behavior the couple sacrificed some of the spontaneity in their lives when they both got nine-to-five jobs
Recent Examples on the Web Give them at least two days’ notice; a lack of spontaneity is a small price to pay for comfort. Sophie Morgan, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Feb. 2024 While his subject matter tended to be different, less political, than that of Bruce, Lewis shared a similar dogged commitment and unruly spontaneity. Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 The beauty of these acts lies in their spontaneity and sincerity. Womensmedia, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 Additionally, Sagittarius craves freedom and spontaneity, while Pisces wants commitment and connection, so this can cause a lot of tension between the two. Katie Mannion, Peoplemag, 18 Feb. 2024 Of course, leave yourself some time for last-minute decisions and spontaneity. Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Jan. 2024 This is a form of music that carries a lot of spontaneity in the sound. Essence, 13 Feb. 2024 The viewer looks for a telltale sign, some jolt of spontaneity — which is just what David’s most authentic laughs provide. M.d. Rodrigues, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2024 All of the joy, spontaneity, and frivolity that happens in a live setting? Vulture, 26 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spontaneity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin spontāneitāt-, spontāneitās, from Late Latin spontāneus "voluntary, unconstrained, spontaneous" + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spontaneity was in 1651

Dictionary Entries Near spontaneity

Cite this Entry

“Spontaneity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spontaneity. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spontaneity

noun
spon·​ta·​ne·​ity
ˌspänt-ən-ˈē-ət-ē,
ˌspänt-ᵊn-,
-ˈā-ət-
: the quality or state of being spontaneous

More from Merriam-Webster on spontaneity

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